Tornos Delta 38

$350,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

max bar capacity

38 mm (1.496 in)

max machining diameter

38 mm (1.496 in)

max machining length

220 mm (8.66 in)

main spindle speed

Up to 6,000 RPM

main spindle power

11 kW (14.7 HP)

back spindle speed

Up to 6,000 RPM

Overview

The Tornos Delta 38 is a 7-axis CNC Swiss-type automatic lathe with 38mm bar capacity, designed for high-complexity precision parts that combine large diameter with demanding multi-axis machining requirements. Positioned at the upper end of the Swiss-type diameter range, the Delta 38 addresses applications in the medical implant, aerospace, and fluid power sectors where bar diameters between 25mm and 38mm coincide with the need for comprehensive turned, milled, drilled, and threaded features in a single setup. The 38mm capacity places the Delta 38 in a segment shared by few Swiss-type competitors, as most Swiss automatics top out at 32mm.

The Delta 38 features a 7-axis simultaneous control architecture that enables true parallel processing: the main spindle and back spindle operate simultaneously with independent driven tool units, allowing front-face milling, radial drilling, and turning operations on the main workpiece while the back spindle independently executes secondary operations on the cut-off part. This simultaneous capability is the critical differentiator from conventional CNC lathes in the same diameter range, which must complete front operations before transferring to a sub-spindle and executing back work sequentially.

Tornos designed the Delta 38's machine structure for the rigidity demands of large-diameter Swiss work. At 38mm diameter, the cutting forces, bar weight, and guide bushing loads are substantially higher than on 20mm platforms. The Delta 38's headstock, guide bushing support, and tool slide structures are scaled appropriately, incorporating larger bearing assemblies, heavier slide sections, and more powerful spindle drives than smaller Swiss machines. Main spindle power is rated for heavy stock removal in stainless steel and titanium at 38mm diameter—materials common in the medical implant and aerospace sectors that are the Delta 38's primary markets.

For manufacturers of bone screws, spinal implants, hip stem components, aerospace bulkhead fittings, hydraulic manifold bodies, and similar large-diameter precision components, the Delta 38 delivers the Swiss-type advantage—single-setup complete machining from bar stock—at the diameter range these industries require. The elimination of dedicated chucking operations and secondary setups is the core economic justification for the Delta 38 over conventional large-diameter turning centers with sub-spindles.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	38 mm (1.496 in)
Max Machining Diameter	38 mm (1.496 in)
Max Machining Length	220 mm (8.66 in)
Main Spindle Speed	Up to 6,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	11 kW (14.7 HP)
Back Spindle Speed	Up to 6,000 RPM
Back Spindle Power	5.5 kW (7.4 HP)
Number Of Axes	7-axis simultaneous
Driven Tools	Yes, front and back
Driven Tool Speed	Up to 6,000 RPM
Guide Bushing	Yes, precision Swiss-type
Tool Positions	Up to 30
CNC Control	Fanuc 32i / Tornos TB-DECO
Machine Dimensions	Approx. 2,800 x 1,400 x 1,900 mm
Machine Weight	Approx. 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)

Specifications sourced from tornos.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Orthopedic implant manufacturers producing bone screws, spinal fusion components, and hip stem blanks in titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys requiring complete machining from 35–38mm bar Aerospace precision manufacturers producing bulkhead fittings, actuator housings, and structural fastener blanks in aluminum, stainless, and titanium at large diameters Fluid power and hydraulic component manufacturers producing valve bodies, manifold components, and high-pressure fittings requiring complete turned and milled features from bar Defense precision parts manufacturers producing large-diameter guidance system components and structural connectors with demanding geometric complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes the Tornos Delta 38 different from a standard CNC lathe with sub-spindle?

The Delta 38 uses the Swiss-type architecture—parts are machined while supported close to the cutting tool by a precision guide bushing, and bar is fed through the rotating spindle. This enables complete machining from bar stock with exceptional rigidity at the cutting zone. A conventional CNC lathe with sub-spindle machines parts in a chuck, requiring a separate bar feeding process and sequential rather than simultaneous front/back operation.

02 What is the maximum bar diameter the Tornos Delta 38 accepts?

The Delta 38 accepts bar stock up to 38mm in diameter, which is larger than most Swiss-type automatics that top out at 32mm. This capacity addresses the medical implant and aerospace sectors where component diameters between 32mm and 38mm are common.

03 How many simultaneous axes does the Delta 38 control?

The Tornos Delta 38 features 7-axis simultaneous control. This includes main spindle Z-axis, multiple cross and longitudinal tool slides, back spindle, and driven tool axes—enabling parallel front and back machining operations that fully utilize both spindles simultaneously.

04 What materials does the Delta 38 handle?

The Delta 38 is used extensively in stainless steel (316L, 17-4PH), titanium alloys (Grade 5, Grade 23 for medical), cobalt-chrome alloys, aluminum, and brass. Its spindle power and rigid structure are sized for productive cutting in these demanding materials at 38mm diameter.

05 What is the price of a Tornos Delta 38?

New Tornos Delta 38 machines are typically priced between $350,000 and $550,000 depending on configuration, axis count, driven tool arrangement, and optional accessories. Used Delta 38 machines appear occasionally on the secondary market at $150,000–$280,000 depending on age and condition.